Family law attorney Michael Bertin moderated a program at the Philadelphia Bar Association, titled “Handling Custody Cases Involving Teenagers: Perspectives from The Bench And Mental Health Professionals Regarding Contempt, Mental Health, And Reunification” on Monday, September 9, 2019. The program was designed to help practitioners understand and navigate issues which can arise in custody matters involving teenagers. Panelists provided best practice tips, valuable perspectives from the bench, and insight from mental health professionals regarding custody matters involving teenagers. The program included the following topics:

The importance of understanding the teenage mind and how to effectively communicate with teenagers

Contempt in custody matters and how to help your client in these situations

Issues of mental health and how to address them within the context of the custody case

When reunification is necessary and the process associated with reunification therapy

Michael is a former Chair of the Family Law Section of the Philadelphia Bar Association and current co-chair of its Custody Committee. He is listed in Best Lawyers in America and has published over one hundred articles. Bertin co-authored the book on Pennsylvania child custody law “Pennsylvania Child Custody Law, Practice, and Procedure”, used by judges and lawyers across the state as a reference. Bertin is a Fellow in the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers and has an active family law practice. He handles all phases of the negotiation and litigation of domestic relations cases, including divorce, custody, support, alimony, property distribution, prenuptial agreements and related issues. Bertin also serves as chair of Obermayer’s Pro Bono Committee.